The Banana Republic of Florida

For too long in Florida, once someone is elected they stay in office. In the past 10 years, according to an examination of state records, only 10 of 505 incumbent lawmakers – less than 2 percent – have been defeated in bids for re-election. That includes a successful re-election rate of 98.9 percent for state senators and 97.8 percent for House members.

In fact, this past election year (2012) there were 32 incumbent state Legislators that will be sworn back into office that never received a vote. They simply filed without any opposition.

Once politicians feel secure they will stay in office, they really have no motivation to be responsive to their constituents’ needs.

The term “Banana Republic” has its roots in South American Dictators, but is now used to describe a government that is primarily concerned with special interest rather than values of citizens. The main feature of the “Banana Republic” is that it creates a pseudo-democracy, which means elections are rigged, so that a pre-selected candidate is guaranteed victory. This puppet leader has ensured the special interest power’s that he or she will follow their directives to create laws that only benefit their interest.

The current political landscape is controlled by the big money, big special interest groups, and if we don’t change how things are done behind closed doors, are liberties will continue to fade away. The problem is that real citizen grassroots candidates don’t stand a chance in the culture of big money special interests that control elections. The candidates that get elected are the ones backed by the party establishment and high priced lobbyist, who don’t care about your individual liberty, they only care about staying in power and the favors they need to pass out to receive the special interest money that funds their campaigns.

Who are the special interest controlling elections and choosing Candidates?
Party Establishment; State and County Party Leadership, they want to know if you will be a team player, even if means sacrificing your principles.
Senate President and House Speaker have slush funds (Leadership Fund) to support candidates that will pledge their allegiance to leadership.
Lobbyist/ Trade organizations pour millions into the election to support candidates that will create laws to benefit their interest.

Voter apathy and the power of incumbency paid for by “special interest” along with party establishment, discourages principled people from running for office.